Every writer on this website has been one at some point in their career. It was from this stage that they've blossomed into the person they are now - whether that has been for the best or the worse. I, of course, am talking about new members.
Sometimes though, it's difficult for a new member to adjust to the many StoryWrite functions and tools available to them. For that, there is a group: The New Members Group. I've decided to have a little chat with Brooke (SageSyren), the group leader, and Andy Stephenson, her partner in crime.
Kevan: Thank you for joining me today for the interview. First of all, why don't you tell us who's welcome in the group? Are there any requirements for entry?
Brooke and Andy: All new members are welcome. The purpose of the group is to offer an opportunity for new members to meet and socialize with other new members. It's also a forum for answering new member questions. It's an open group and requires no application unless the membership of the group reaches 255. At that point there is a system glitch and applications are required, however, all applications are accepted as soon as possible.
Kevan: I see. And what do you consider a new member?
Brooke and Andy: We consider a new member a person who has been a member of Storywrite for six months or less.
Kevan: Ah, yes. Very suitable. But if this is the case, how many people are in your group?
Brooke and Andy: The New Members group fluctuates between approximately 100 to 300 members. Periodically, we remove those who have been members for over six months.
Kevan: Interesting. And how do you think the group benefits new members?
Brooke and Andy: The group is often the first real contact a new member has with other members of StoryWrite. It's a place to share interests, learn more about the site, and to share stories. When we started the group it was to help new members get started on the site and make friends and get their stories read.
Kevan: That's a good mission, but do you think most members in the group are active ones?
Brooke and Andy: The majority of members are not apparently active. Many join and never reply or post topics, and there's no way of knowing if they read them. Most do not post stories in the reading list nor read those posted by others. However, for those member who are active, we try to encourage them as writers and members of Storywrite.
Kevan: Makes sense. Are there any members in the group who are not new? Brooke and Andy: There are two basic types of members, the new members and workers. The workers try to encourage the interest of the new members. The workers, as long as they are active, are not necessarily new members and are usually officials or officers in the group.
Kevan: Aha! That's great! What kind of topics can be found on the group boards?
Brooke and Andy: These are some of the current leading topics:
"What is everyone's favorite genre of books?"
"Poll: what is your favorite Anime?"
"Why did you join StoryWrite?"
"What are your sources of inspiration for writing?
"Is your Life Meaningful?"
"Do you like to write stories?"
"How to choose what to write on."
Kevan: Yay! And what kind of stories can be found in the reading list?
Brooke and Andy: We’ve got some mythology, murder, romance, young adult, western, fantasy and science fiction. Any kind of story might be found in the reading list. They are only limited by Storywrite Rules and Policies.
Kevan: Brooke, any thoughts on this little community Kevin has conjured up?
Brooke: I just want all to know that SW is the best writing site I’ve been on. It’s friendly, interactive and educational. I mean have you checked out the columns and the school? I’ve learned so much since 2006. My writing has improved so much. Listen to what people tell you. They are here to help!
Kevan: Most excellent, my dear rabbit. And in the future, where do you see this group going?
Brooke and Andy: For the future we’d like to see more helpful topics about writing and the site posted. Some ‘Spring Cleaning’ should be done of the topic boards and helpful links posted on the groups page.
As with any group, the success of it depends largely on its officials and officers. We're trying to recruit workers who can devote the necessary time to encourage the new members in the group as much as possible and to provide them with the information they want and need about the site. In the future, we hope to, as a group, continue to help and encourage new members and to improve in our efforts.
Kevan: That's a very inspiring goal. Finally, tell us a few things about yourself.
Brooke: Me? Well, I’m not to sure I’m that interesting. I’m a greeter and a teacher here on the site. Been a greeter since a month or two after SW broke from AP. A teacher for a year.
I write mostly children’s fantasy, but am dabbling in adult fantasy and real life drama. I’m currently focusing on Creation Mischief, which is about a girl, who creates worlds, who has discovered or unleashed an ancient creature who others wish she hadn’t and tries to stop her. There is a love interest along the way.
On a more personal note, I’m a wife and mother of three. Been married around 5 years and my kids range from 16 to 4.
I’m fun loving, easy going and love to talk. I’m honest, if I don’t like something I’ll let you know. I also love to garden and read.
Kevan: And you, Andy?
Andy: I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and lived mostly in Oklahoma and Texas. I began to take a serious interest in writing in high school and was first published at seventeen. I've written most of my life, off and on. Until 2005, I wrote mostly songs and poetry. In April 2005, I began writing stories. I became more focused on stories and chaptered works.
I'm owned by six cats, but they are kind masters and I love them.
Thank you two very much for your time. If you're a new member, and you'd like to join the group, please join here. If you're interested in being an officer or official, and have a lot of StoryWrite experience, you might consider messaging SageSyren or Andy Stephenson before joining, and receiving permission from them.
If you have a suggestion for the August 2009 Group of the Month, send me a message. Comments have been disabled.
